National Robotics Week serves as a platform to inspire students interested in robotics and STEM-related fields. In recognition of this week, we are shedding light on some noteworthy applications of robotics and artificial intelligence in biomedical research and development from our archives.
One recent exploration delved into the emerging role of robots and AI in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, as discussed in a joint paper by the European Committee of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. At this year’s Precision Med TRI-CON meeting, Eric Topol, MD, lauded artificial intelligence as “the biggest transformation in the history of medicine.” Additionally, robots took center stage at the Society of Lab Automation and Screening conference, particularly in tasks such as liquid handling for next-generation sequencing library preparation and nucleic acid extraction. Interest is also growing in the utilization of nano-sized robots for treating various cancers, including bladder tumors and lung tumors.
Looking ahead, we are contemplating the potential future avenues for robotics. Opentrons CEO Jon Brennan-Badal shares insights on the current landscape of robotics in the life sciences and speculates on future developments.
GEN: What are some of the most exciting applications of robotics currently?
Brennan-Badal: The robotics industry is experiencing rapid evolution, particularly in sectors like healthcare and life sciences. In life sciences, robotics plays a vital role in high-throughput settings such as core genomics facilities and labs engaged in drug discovery and screening. Automation in these environments ensures data reliability and facilitates increased sample throughput, supporting scalability. These advancements in robotics significantly bolster scientific progress and medical breakthroughs.
The automation of routine tasks leads to a considerable increase in experiments conducted and discoveries made. For example, in sequencing, manual labor for sample preparation now surpasses the cost of sequencers themselves. Automating these processes can substantially reduce costs and ramp up throughput, shifting the bottleneck away from manual labor towards more efficient, automated solutions. This efficiency mirrors that of industries like manufacturing and logistics, underscoring the potential for robotics to elevate productivity in life sciences.
GEN: What does the future of robotics in the field look like?
Brennan-Badal: As with many industries, AI is poised to exert a significant influence on lab automation and robotics. At Opentrons, we are already witnessing the potential of generative AI to markedly enhance automated workflows and protocol creation. Through an interface powered by generative AI and large language models, scientists can articulate experimental protocols in plain language, with the model intelligently interpreting and generating corresponding automated protocol scripts. This approach suggests optimal parameters, troubleshoots potential issues, and adapts protocols based on specific experimental requirements.
Another vital consideration is equipping the next generation of scientists with essential skills. We advocate for automation to be a fundamental skill in laboratory sciences, bridging the growing skill gap in biotech. Integrating automation into educational curricula and facilitating early and effective learning of laboratory automation will prepare students for success in a dynamic biotech landscape.
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